Detection of Argon-40 in the Lunar Exosphere

  • Chandrayaan-2’s orbiter, which is currently orbiting the Moon, has detected Argon-40 in the lunar exosphere with the help of its Chandra’s Atmospheric Composition Explorer-2 (CHACE-2) payload.
  • Argon-40 (40AR) is one of the isotopes of the noble gas Argon. It originates from the radioactive disintegration of Potassium-40 (40K). The radioactive 40K nuclide, which is present deep below the lunar surface, disintegrates to 40AR, which, in turn, diffuses through the intergranular space and makes way up to the lunar exosphere through seepages and faults.
  • 40AR being a condensable gas at the temperatures and pressures that prevail on the lunar surface, condenses during lunar night. ....
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